Non-invasive physiological sensor cover

ABSTRACT

A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor, such as a pulse oximetry sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensor when the sensor is not in use, for example, by blocking a light detecting component of a pulse oximeter sensor when the pulse oximeter sensor is active but not in use. Further, embodiments of the sensor cover can prevent damage to the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of the sensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/844,720, filed Jul. 27, 2010, entitled “NON-INVASIVEPHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR COVER,” which claims priority benefit under 35U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/229,682, filedJul. 29, 2009, entitled “Non-invasive Physiological Sensor Cover.” Allof the above referenced applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring oxygen contentin the blood, and, in particular, relates to an apparatus and method forpreventing sensor activity when the sensor is not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Non-invasive physiological sensors are applied to the body formonitoring or making measurements indicative of a patient's health. Oneapplication for a non-invasive physiological sensor is pulse oximetry,which provides a noninvasive procedure for measuring the oxygen statusof circulating blood. Oximetry has gained rapid acceptance in a widevariety of medical applications, including surgical wards, intensivecare and neonatal units, general wards, and home care and physicaltraining. A pulse oximetry system generally includes a patient monitor,a communications medium such as a cable, and a physiological sensorhaving light emitters and a detector, such as one or more LEDs and aphotodetector. The sensor is attached to a tissue site, such as afinger, toe, ear lobe, nose, hand, foot, or other site having pulsatileblood flow which can be penetrated by light from the emitters. Thedetector is responsive to the emitted light after attenuation bypulsatile blood flowing in the tissue site. The detector outputs adetector signal to the monitor over the communication medium, whichprocesses the signal to provide a numerical readout of physiologicalparameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.

High fidelity pulse oximeters capable of reading through motion inducednoise are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028, 6,658,276, 6,157,850,6,002,952 5,769,785, and 5,758,644, which are assigned to MasimoCorporation (“Masimo”) and are incorporated by reference herein.Advanced physiological monitoring systems may incorporate pulse oximetryin addition to advanced features for the calculation and display ofother blood parameters, such as carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin(HbMet) and total hemoglobin (Hbt), total Hematocrit (Hct), oxygenconcentrations and glucose concentrations, as a few examples. Advancedphysiological monitors and corresponding multiple wavelength opticalsensors capable of measuring parameters in addition to SpO₂, such asHbCO, HbMet and Hbt are described in at least U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/367,013, filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled Multiple WavelengthSensor Emitters and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/366,208, filedMar. 1, 2006, titled Noninvasive Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor,assigned to Masimo Laboratories, Inc. and incorporated by referenceherein. Further, noninvasive blood parameter monitors and opticalsensors including Rainbow™ adhesive and reusable sensors and RAD-57™ andRadical-7™ monitors capable of measuring SpO₂, pulse rate, perfusionindex (PI), signal quality (SiQ), pulse variability index (PVI), HbCOand HbMet, among other parameters, are also commercially available fromMasimo.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Optical sensors are widely used across clinical settings, such asoperating rooms, emergency rooms, post anesthesia care units, criticalcare units, outpatient surgery and physiological labs, to name a few. Insome situations, such as in operating rooms, emergency rooms or criticalcare units, sensors can be kept attached to monitors to reduce the setuptime needed to begin monitoring a patient. While attached, the sensorcan generate false readings by detecting ambient light even though thesensor is not in use. The sensor can also cause the monitor to emitalarms or otherwise make noise due to false readings, which can bedistracting to medical personnel.

As such, a method and apparatus for preventing false readings aredesirable. A sensor cover, according to embodiments of the disclosure,prevents or reduces false readings until the sensor is in use.

Further, in certain embodiments, the sensor cover can prevent damage tothe sensor. For example, the sensors cover can protect the emitters andthe detector during shipment or prior to use. In certain embodiments, asensor cover decreases the likelihood of contamination by keepingcovered portions of the sensor clean. Sensors in hospitals and otherclinical environments are subject to exposure to infectious agents, dustor other foreign matter from depositing on the emitters or detector. Thesensor cover can reduce or prevent exposure to these contaminants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sensor cover attached to a sensor of aphysiological measurement system according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2C are top cover-attached, top cover-detached, and bottomcover-attached perspective views, respectively, of the sensor cover andsensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D illustrates a first and second sensor covers over the emittersand detector according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a non-protruding sensor cover according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a non-protruding sensor cover having an opaqueborder and a removable opaque center according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a sensor cover having a clear “window” according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3D illustrates a sensor cover integrated with an adhesive coveraccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3E illustrates a sensor cover covering an adhesive sensor accordingto an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4B are a top view and a close up view, respectively, of anintegrated sensor cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4C illustrates the sensor cover of FIGS. 4A-4B covering a sensorcomponent;

FIG. 5A is a front view a sensor cover attachable to a reusable sensoraccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates the mating of the sensor cover of FIG. 5A with asensor;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sensor cover attachable to a sensor via one or moretabs according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sensor cover configured to block both the emittersand the detector according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sensor cover attachable to a sensor via anattachment arm according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrates embodiments of the sensor covers configured forattachment to a bioacoustic sensor, according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable ofbeing used with a non-invasive physiological sensor. Certain embodimentsof the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensorwhen the sensor is not in use. Further, embodiments of the sensor covercan prevent damage to the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of thesensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor.

The tissue site of the illustrated embodiments is a finger and thefollowing description therefore refers specifically to the tissue siteas a finger for the purposes of clarity. This is not intended to belimiting and, as described herein, the sensor cover of certainembodiments can be used with sensors attachable to other types of tissuesites, such as a toe, ear lobe, nose, hand, foot, forehead or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sensor cover attached to aphysiological measurement system 100 having a monitor 110 and an opticalsensor 120. The optical sensor 120 comprises one or more light emittersand a detector. The optical sensor 120 is configured to plug into amonitor sensor port 112 via a patient cable 130. Monitor keys 114provide control over operating modes and alarms, to name a few. Adisplay 116 provides readouts of measured parameters, such as oxygensaturation, pulse rate, HbCO, HbMet and Hbt to name a few. Other bloodparameters that can be measured to provide important clinicalinformation are fractional oxygen saturation, bilrubin and bloodglucose, to name a few.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the sensor cover 140 protrudesoutside the sensor. The cover can be made from an opaque material, suchas, for example, plastic, polyester, polypropylene, rubber, vinyl, clingvinyl and/or the like. The sensor cover 140 can obstruct the detectorand prevent the detector from detecting light, thereby reducing oreliminating false readings. For example, the sensor 120 can sometimes beleft attached to a monitor 110 to facilitate quick monitoring of apatient, even when not currently in use. The opaque cover 140 canprevent or reduce false readings caused by the emitters or the ambientlight, even if the sensor is active, by preventing the sensor fromreceiving light. In an embodiment, the opaque material can block allwavelengths of light used by a particular sensor. Other embodiments canblock different ranges of wavelengths depending on the type of sensorthe cover is used for. In an embodiment, the sensor cover 140 is placedover the emitters to prevent the sensor from emitting light receivableby the detector. In an embodiment, both the detector and emitter arecovered.

In some embodiments, the sensor cover 140 can be removed beforeplacement at a measurement site. For example, once a patient arrives,medical personnel can remove the sensor cover 140 and attach the nowfully operational sensor 120 to the patient. In some embodiments, themedical personnel can attach the sensor 120 with the cover 140 still inplace. The opaque cover prevents measurements from being taken until thesensor 120 is generally secure and the medical personnel are ready totake measurements. For example, movement can generate artifacts for somesensors; therefore waiting until the patient is stable can reducemeasurement of inaccurate data. Once the sensor 120 is generally securedto an attachment site, the cover 140 can be removed from the sensor. Insome embodiments, the sensor cover 140 can be removed before and/orafter placement at a measurement site. The sensor cover 140 can beremoved by peeling it off from the sensor or by pulling on theprotruding portion.

As will be appreciated by skilled artisans from the disclosure providedherein, various attachment mechanisms can be used. For example, thesensor cover can be attached with an adhesive. In certain embodiments, arestorable adhesive can be used to facilitate reattachments of thesensor cover. The restorable adhesive layer can be rejuvenated byapplication of alcohol to the adhesive. The cover can then be reattachedto the sensor. This can be useful where the sensor is moved to a newlocation or tissue site because the cover can prevent the sensor fromtaking false readings while the sensor is moved. In some embodiments, noadhesive is used on the sensor cover to leave no residue. In someembodiments, the sensor cover can be made from static cling vinyl,plastic film, or other “clingy” material with no adhesive used. In someembodiments, the sensor cover can be attached through static electricityallowing the cover to cling to the sensor without any adhesive and/orallowing the sensor cover to be reapplied. In other configurations, thesensor cover can be attached with Velcro, fasteners, tabs, clips, slots,or the like.

As will also be appreciated by skilled artisans from the disclosureprovided herein, the sensor cover can be detached in various ways. Insome embodiments, the sensor cover can be peeled off from the sensorbefore the sensor is placed at a measurement site. In some embodiments,the sensor can be pulled off from the sensor after placement by pullingon a protruding portion. Depending on the attachment mechanism, thedetachment of the sensor cover can expose an adhesive layer or can leaveno adhesive residue on the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor covercan be unclipped or unhooked.

In certain embodiments, the sensor covers are reusable. For example, thesensor cover can be reused if the sensor is temporarily removed forrepositioning or for cleaning. The sensor cover can also be replaced onthe sensor when the sensor is no longer in use. In some embodiments, thesensor covers are disposable and are disposed of once removed from thesensor.

Although disclosed with reference to the sensor of FIG. 1, an artisanwill recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of oximetersensors, optical sensors, noninvasive sensors, medical sensors, or thelike that may benefit from the sensor cover disclosed herein. In variousembodiments, the sensor can be adapted to receive a tissue site otherthan a finger such as a, toe, ear lobe, nose, hand, foot, neck, or othersite having pulsatile blood flow which can be penetrated by light fromthe emitter. In addition, the sensor cover 140 can be used with aportable monitor and associated sensor components in certainembodiments. Such monitors, including the sensor components, can beintegrated into a hand-held device such as a PDA and typically do notinclude cables or separate monitors. Portable monitors are often used byfirst responders in emergency situations, in part because of theirportability and ease of use. As such, sensor covers 140 which canprotect the sensor components according to embodiments herein can be ofparticular benefit when used with spot-check monitors.

FIGS. 2A-2C are top cover-attached, top cover-detached, and bottomcover-attached perspective views, respectively, of the sensor cover andsensor of FIG. 1. FIG. 2D illustrates a first 140 and second 240 sensorcovers placed over the detector 210 and emitters 230, respectively. FIG.2A illustrates a view of a side of the sensor placed in contact with atissue site. In FIG. 2A, the sensor cover 140 attaches to the sensor 120and covers the detector 210, with a protruding portion 220 extendingpast the sensor. The sensor cover 140 can be a generally elongated shapemade of an opaque material. In an embodiment, one side of the sensorcover can include an adhesive layer over the portion of the coverdesigned to block the detector 210 while the remainder of the cover canbe adhesive free. Thus, the cover 140 does not catch on other objectsand cause the cover 140 to be prematurely removed. The cover 140 can beremoved by pulling on the protruding portion 220 either before or afterthe sensor 120 has been placed onto a measurement site. FIG. 2Billustrates the sensor 120 with the sensor cover 140 removed. FIG. 2Cillustrates a view of an opposite side of the sensor of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a non-protruding sensor cover 310 according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The opaque sensor cover 310 fits withinthe sensor 120 and blocks a sensor component 210, such as the emittersor the detector. By staying within the sensor edges, the chance ofaccidental removal of the cover can be reduced. When the sensor 120 isready for use, the sensor cover 310 can be removed.

FIG. 3B illustrates a non-protruding sensor cover having an opaqueborder 314 and a removable opaque center 312. The opaque center 312 canbe removed separately from the opaque border 314, leaving an opaquematerial surrounding the sensor component 210. When the sensor isattached to the patient, the opaque border 314 can minimize lightpiping, thereby increasing accuracy of the readings. For example, theopaque border 314 can prevent reflected or scattered light that has notpassed through tissue from entering into the detector and/or prevent thedetector from picking up light from the emitters that fall aroundinstead of on the detector. In an embodiment, the sensor cover can haveadhesive on one both sides. Adhesive on both sides of the sensor coverallows the cover to stick to a patient, further preventing light pipingor movement of the sensor. In an embodiment the sensor cover can have aclear window section in addition to or instead of a removable center312.

FIG. 3C illustrates a sensor cover 316 having a clear “window” 317 overthe sensor component. In an embodiment, the sensor cover can be used toprotect the sensor component, provide a new adhesive layer, and/orreduce light piping while allowing the light through the “window.” Byusing a clear window, the sensor cover does not have to be removed whensensor is attached to the patient. In some embodiments, a removableopaque portion can be placed over the window.

FIG. 3D illustrates a sensor cover integrated with an opaque adhesivecover 320 for the sensor. An adhesive sensor generally has one or moreadhesive covers 320 covering one or more adhesive portions 330 of thesensor. In FIG. 3D, the opaque adhesive cover 320 is extended to coverthe sensor component 210. The adhesive cover 320 can be peeled off toreveal the adhesive layer 330 and uncover the sensor component 210.

FIG. 3E illustrates a sensor cover 340 covering an adhesive sensor. InFIG. 3E, the opaque sensor cover 340 has adhesive material on both sidesof the sensor cover in order to allow reattachment of a sensor where theoriginal adhesive material 330 has lost its adhesiveness. The sensorcover 340 can be placed on the sensor using a first adhesive layer 350while the sensor is detached from a patient. An adhesive cover (notshown) protects a second adhesive layer 360 and can be removed beforethe sensor is placed on the patient. The second adhesive layer allowsthe sensor to be reattached to the patient. The sensor cover can coverboth the detector and emitters of the sensor. The sensor cover 322 canhave removable or clear sections 370, 380 over the detector and/oremitters to allow light to pass through.

FIGS. 4A-4B are a top view and a close up view, respectively, of anintegrated sensor cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure.FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of the sensor cover where the sensorcover 410 is integrated with the sensor 400. The sensor has a slot 420positioned near an emitter or a detector. The slot allows an arm 410,430 to be folded over a sensor component 435, which can be the emittersor the detector, thereby covering it. In certain embodiments, the sensor400 is an adhesive sensor. The use of a slot allows an adhesive arm 410to be used as a sensor cover without having to remove the arm's adhesivecover. Once a patient is available, the adhesive arm 410 can be removedfrom the slot, the adhesive cover can be removed, and the adhesive arms410, 430 used to secure the adhesive sensor to the patient. FIG. 4Billustrates a close up view of the slot 420 and sensor cover 410 of FIG.4A. FIG. 4C illustrates the sensor cover 410 folded over the sensorcomponent 435 with the end of the sensor cover inserted into the slot. Aportion of the sensor cover extends into the slot and to the back sideof the sensor. The slot keeps the sensor cover 410 generally secureagainst the sensor component 435.

FIG. 5A is a front view a sensor cover 510 attachable to a reusablesensor according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The sensor cover510 includes a recess 515 into which a sensor housing can be inserted.The sensor housing generally fits closely in the recess 515. Frictionbetween the inner surfaces of the sensor cover 510 and the sensorhousing generally secures the housing with the sensor cover 510. FIG. 5Billustrates the mating of the sensor cover 510 of FIG. 5A with a sensor520. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 520 is a reusableclip-style sensor. The sensor cover 510 fits over a lower sensor housing525. The sensor housings 525, 545 can contain sensor components 530,540, such as the emitters or the detector. In certain embodiments, thesensor component 530 is a detector and the sensor cover 510 prevents thedetector from receiving light. The sensor cover 510 can be removed whenthe sensor 520 is in use and reattached once the sensor 520 is not inuse.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sensor cover 610 attachable to a sensor 520 via oneor more tabs or attachment arms 620 according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. The tabs 620 fit over the sides of an upper housing 545 ofthe sensor and generally secure the sensor cover 610 against the upperhousing 545. The sensor cover 610 covers the sensor component, such asthe emitters or the detector, located in the upper housing 545.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the sensor cover 700 configured toblock both the emitters and the detector. An upper arm 710 securesagainst an upper housing of a sensor. A lower arm 720 secures against alower housing of a sensor. The upper 710 and lower 720 arms areconnected by a hinge portion 725. The arms 710, 720 can be attached viaa press fit. The lower arm 720 can also include an attachment arm 730 tobetter secure the sensor cover 700 against the lower housing of thesensor.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the sensor cover 800 attachable to asensor housing via an attachment arm 810. The attachment arm 810 isconfigured to secure the sensor cover 800 in place when applied to thesensor. Upon application to a sensor, the front portion of the sensorhousing may occupy the space defined by the attachment arm 810 and theunderside of the lower portion 805 of the sensor cover 800. Theattachment arm 810 helps to releasably secure the sensor, via a frictionfit, for example. One or more other features, such as the lip 815disposed on the side of the sensor cover proximal to the sensor can beincluded to further secure the sensor cover 800 in the sensor. Uponinsertion of the sensor cover 800 into the sensor, the sides of thesensor housing abut the lip 815. Accordingly, the lip 815 can helpensure that the sensor cover 800 is positioned appropriately deep withinthe sensor.

Although the above embodiments have been described with respect to anopaque material intended to optically insulate the optical sensor, aswill be appreciated by skilled artisans from the disclosure providedherein, sensor covers made of different insulative materials can be usedas appropriate for different types of sensors. For example, sonicallyinsulative materials, such as foam, rubber, cotton, and/or other sounddeadening materials can be used to cover sensors that employ sound, suchas a bioacoustic or ultrasound sensor. In some embodiments, electricallyinsulative materials, such as rubber, polyethylene, silicone and/orother insulators can be used to cover sensors that employ electricalsignals, such as bioimpedance sensors. In some embodiments, mechanicallyinsulative materials, such as hard plastic, metal, rubber, silicone,and/or other rigid or dampening materials can be used to covermechanical sensors to prevent sensor actuation. In some embodiments,chemically insulative material, such as plastic, metal, polyethylene orthe like can be used to cover chemical sensors and prevent theirexposure to the environment.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate embodiments of sensor covers for a bioacousticsensor. FIG. 9A illustrates one embodiment of a bioacoustic sensor. Thebioacoustic sensor 900 is configured for placement against a patient'sskin. The contact surface 903 of the sensor 900 is placed against theskin. The bioacoustic sensor picks up sound waves from the patient'sbody and converts them into electrical signals for transmission to amonitoring device. In one embodiment, the bioacoustic sensor can use apiezoelectric transducer as the sensing element to detect sound waves.In FIG. 9A a sensor cover 905 made of a sound-deadening material, suchas foam, rubber, and/or cotton, is attached to the contact surface toprevent sound waves from being detected by the bioacoustic sensor 900.The sound-deadening material can be attached by adhesive, tabs, clips,friction fit, and/or other connection mechanism. In FIG. 9A, thebioacoustic sensor has a bump 910 on the contact surface 903 positionedto apply pressure to the sensing element so as to bias the sensingelement in tension and improve the receptivity of the sensing element tosound waves. Where such a bump 910 exists on the contact surface 903 ofthe sensor, embodiments of sensor cover 905 can be provided with acorresponding recess.

FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the sensor cover 920 made of shapedsound-deadening material to increase the surface area available toabsorb sound. In one embodiment, a plurality of wedge shaped protrusions925 is formed on the surface of the sensor cover 920. In otherembodiments, different shaped protrusions can be used, such as waveform,pyramid, egg crate, and/or other shapes to increase the surface area.

FIG. 9C illustrates a bioacoustic sensor cover having one or moreattachment arms according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Anattachment arm 935 is configured to releasably secure the sensor cover930 when applied to the sensor via a friction fit, for example. A secondattachment arm 936 can be provided to further secure the sensor cover930 to the sensor 900. A recess 940 can also be formed on the interiorsurface of the sensor cover 930 in order to conform to protrusions onthe contact surface of the sensor 900. Where the contact surface of thesensor 900 is flat, the interior surface can also be flat.

FIG. 9D illustrates a bioacoustic sensor having conductive leadsaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 9D, theillustrated bioacoustic sensor 900 has one or more apertures 950, 955exposing the sensing element 960 to the contact surface 903. In oneembodiment, the sensor cover 962 prevents the bioacoustic sensor fromtaking readings by creating an electrical short in the sensor. One ormore conductive leads or wires 965, 970 configured to fit into theapertures 950, 955 in the sensor housing are disposed on the sensorcover 962. The conductive leads 965, 970 abut the negative and positiveelectrical poles of the sensing element 960. The conductive leads can beformed of copper or other conductive material. In one embodiment, theconductive leads 965, 970 can abut internal wiring that connects to thenegative and positive electrical poles, such that a direct connection isnot required. The conductive leads 965, 970 are joined by a connecterlead or wire 975 to generate a short circuit in the sensor 900. In anembodiment, the conductive leads 965, 970 and connector lead 975 are asingle connected structure. In an embodiment, the sensor cover 962further comprises one or more attachment arms 980, 982 for releasablysecuring the sensor cover 962 to the sensor 900. In an embodiment, thesensor cover 962 further comprises a recess 985 to conform against aprotrusion 910 on the contact surface 903 of the sensor. In oneembodiment, the sensor cover 962 is formed out of a sound deadeningmaterial, such as foam or rubber. In one embodiment, the sensor cover962 is made of hard plastic or other types of plastic materials.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

Various sensor covers have been disclosed in detail in connection withvarious embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examplesonly and are not to limit the scope of the claims that follow. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many variations,modifications and combinations. For example, in various embodiments,adhesive, snap-fit, friction-fit, clips, tabs, and other attachmentmechanisms can be employed. In addition, in various embodiments thesensor covers are used with a sensor that can measure any type ofphysiological parameter. In various embodiments, the sensor covers canbe for any type of medical device or sensor. In various embodiments,adhesive can be placed on both sides of the sensor cover to aid in thereattachment of sensors where the sensor adhesive has grown weak. Invarious embodiments, sensors covers can be made in whole or in part ofmaterials such as foam, polyester, polypropylene, rubber, vinyl, clingvinyl, urethane rubber plastic or other plastic materials, cloth, metal,combinations of the same or the like.

1-4. (canceled)
 5. A method of blocking readings by a noninvasiveoptical physiological sensor, the method comprising: providing a sensorcover comprising: an opaque portion attachable to the sensor andconfigured to block readings by the sensor; and a portion that protrudesfrom the sensor to facilitate removal of the sensor cover; and attachingthe sensor cover to the sensor, the sensor cover blocking readings bythe sensor and removable from the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises:a light source configured to emit light from one or more emitters of thesensor; and a detector configured to receive at least a portion of thelight emitted by the one or more emitters after the light has passedthrough a tissue site.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the portionthat protrudes from the sensor comprises an elongate portion thatextends past the sensor.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the sensor isan adhesive sensor having a flexible substrate and an adhesive layer. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein at least the opaque portion comprises anadhesive cover attachable to the adhesive layer of the sensor.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the sensor cover further comprises anadhesive layer on the opaque portion, the adhesive layer configured toremovably attach over a sensing portion of the sensor.
 10. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising: activating the light source of the sensorto emit light from the one or more emitters of the sensor; and blocking,with the sensor cover, the light from the one or more emitters frombeing received by the detector of the sensor.
 11. The method of claim 5,wherein the opaque portion is attachable over at least one of thedetector or the one or more emitters.
 12. The method of claim 5, whereinthe opaque portion is configured to block ambient light from asurrounding area.
 13. The method of claim 5, wherein the sensor is apulse oximeter sensor.
 14. A sensor cover for use with a noninvasiveoptical physiological sensor, the sensor cover comprising: an opaqueportion attachable to the sensor and configured to block opticalreadings by the sensor; and a portion that protrudes from the sensor tofacilitate removal of the sensor cover, wherein the sensor comprises: alight source configured to emit light from one or more emitters of thesensor; and a detector configured to receive at least a portion of thelight emitted by the one or more emitters after the light has passedthrough a tissue site.
 15. The sensor cover of claim 14, wherein theportion that protrudes from the sensor comprises an elongate portionthat extends past the sensor.
 16. The sensor cover of claim 14, whereinthe sensor is an adhesive sensor having a flexible substrate and anadhesive layer.
 17. The sensor cover of claim 16, wherein at least theopaque portion comprises an adhesive cover attachable to the adhesivelayer of the sensor.
 18. The sensor cover of claim 14, furthercomprising: an adhesive layer on the opaque portion, the adhesive layerconfigured to removably attach over a sensing portion of the sensor. 19.The sensor cover of claim 14, wherein the sensor cover is configured toblock the light from the one or more emitters from being received by thedetector.
 20. The sensor cover of claim 14, wherein the opaque portionis attachable over at least one of the detector or the one or moreemitters.
 21. The sensor cover of claim 14, wherein the opaque portionis configured to block ambient light from a surrounding area.
 22. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the sensor is a pulse oximeter sensor.